John speaks of a matter that is addressed at various times in the Scriptures – namely, that a genuine child of God will manifest certain evidences in his or her life that they truly belong to God. We might speak of them as birthmarks of a Christian. After giving birth to a child, a mother will often discover that the baby has a unique, identifying birthmark somewhere on its body. In the physical body, such birthmarks may fade over time, but in the spiritual realm, there are “birthmarks” that will continually serve to identify those in Christ as the children of God. In the remainder of today’s study, I challenge you to give yourself diligently to the consideration of God’s infallible Word.Take some time to work through the following list of birthmarks, reading each Scripture reference carefully: (1) A hunger for the Word of God (1 Pet. 2:2; Jer. 15:16; cf. 1 Cor. 3:1-4; Psa. 138:2); (2) A desire to win others to Christ (Jn. 1:40-42; 4:28, 29 – these men may have been associated with her); (3) A desire to follow Christ (Mk. 5:18-20 – Christ told him to start witnessing at home; cf. Rom. 1:8; Acts 1:8); (4) Participating in the Lord’s Table (1 Cor. 11:23ff – does not require interpretation, but obedience); (5) A definite change in the life (2 Cor. 5:17); (6) A burning of bridges behind you (Acts 19:18, 19); (7) A making of restitution (Lk. 19:8); (8) A display of the grace of giving (2 Cor. 8:5, 7-9 – faithful stewards – Rom. 12:1,2; 1 Cor. 4:2); (9) A spirit of prayer (Acts 9:11); (10) A love for Christian fellowship (Heb. 10:24, 25; cf. Psa. 122:1; 26:8; Col. 3:13-17). Now I would pose these questions for each one of us today. Is there evidence in your life of such unique spiritual birthmarks? If not, why not?